Day 18: Cross-country bicyclists tackle more than 50 hills

May 9, 2013

Written by

Eric Wagner

Blogger/leavingitontheroad.com

Editor's Note: Ralph and Eric Wagner, father and son from Hackettstown, are participating in Bicycle Across America's Fast America Ride, a 33-day odyssey through 12 states. This is Eric's blog from the trail, also available at www.leavingitontheroad.com.

Hello everyone! Today was just one of those days. We have been riding in Missouri for two days now, and I have to say this state really lives up to the name "Land of 1,000 Hills." I lost track of the actual number of climbs today after our 50th ascent. Aside from our first few days of the journey, this is the most weary I have been after a ride. With 119 miles and over 6,000 feet of collective climbing, I barely mustered the strength for the last 30 miles. If it hadn't been for my dad's encouragement, I doubt I would have made it.

Still, we lucked out with the weather even if the terrain was more challenging than what we're used to. There were only a few small showers in the morning, and aside from that we rode through the day underneath an overcast sky with minimal sun exposure. It was actually ideal conditions for bike riding. Cool temperatures combined with minimal sunshine allowed us to remain relatively cool and comfortable while we tackled hill after hill.

Favorable weather aside, it was still a grind. As soon as one hill was completed another one would be waiting right after it to greet us. Some were literally so steep that I could feel my front tire pulling off the ground as I put the pressure on to make it up. But from what I understand, this was really the last hard day of the week. Tomorrow after a hilly morning the terrain will be flattening out as we make our way to the "Big Muddy," and finish our day in Quincy, Illinois. Although I'll be wearing my rain jacket the whole 96 miles, I know that once we get to the ferry, we only have one more day before we take a much needed rest day in Springfield, Illinois.